More than just a Tool: People's Perception and Acceptance of Prosocial Delivery Robots as Fellow Road Users

TL;DR

This study explores how integrating social identities and prosocial behaviors in delivery robots affects people's perceptions and acceptance, highlighting the importance of framing and emotional expression for better social integration.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of combining social identity with functional roles in delivery robots and provides design recommendations based on a VR pilot study.

Findings

People show ambivalence towards dual social and functional identities.

Framing effects influence acceptance and perception of robots.

Expressing intentionality and emotions enhances social acceptance.

Abstract

Service robots are increasingly deployed in public spaces, performing functional tasks such as making deliveries. To better integrate them into our social environment and enhance their adoption, we consider integrating social identities within delivery robots along with their functional identity. We conducted a virtual reality-based pilot study to explore people's perceptions and acceptance of delivery robots that perform prosocial behavior. Preliminary findings from thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews illustrate people's ambivalence about dual identity. We discussed the emerging themes in light of social identity theory, framing effect, and human-robot intergroup dynamics. Building on these insights, we propose that the next generation of delivery robots should use peer-based framing, an updated value proposition, and an interactive design that places greater emphasis on expressing intentionality and emotional responses.